Gram Nyayalayas to deliver justice at grass roots level

New Delhi, Apr 12 (UNI) Concerned over the pendency of 20 million litigation, the Centre today decided to set up "Gram Nyayalayas" at the Panchayat level to provide a fresh system of Judiciary which will be less expensive, free from protracted procedural wrangles and accessible to the common man at the grass roots level.

The Gram Nyayalaya will be presided over by a "Nyayadhikari" who should be qualified to be eligible for a First Class Judicial Magistrate.

The Nyayadhikari should be appointed by the state government in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court concerned.

"The Nyayalaya will follow summary procedure in criminal cases and a simple procedure having regard to the principles of natural justice in civil cases," Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told mediapersons here after a Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Terming the decision as "historic," he said, it sought to translate into reality, the desire of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to provide benefit of Judiciary to the "last man of the last part of the country." A recommendation for setting up of "Gram Nyayalayas" had been made in the 114th report of the Law Commission which was discussed in detail by the Law Ministry, he said.

An expenditure of Rs 324 crore per annuum was being expected towards the establishment of Gram Nyayalayas, Mr Dasmunsi said.

A bill would be introduced in the ensuing Session of Parliament he said adding the "The Gram Nyayalayas Bill-2007" would be referred to a Standing Committee for detailed discussion at various levels.

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